2020 Workshop Schedule

Workshop Listing Format:

Title of Workshop
Name of Speaker
Name of Company
Room Location
Workshop Description

8 Great Smarts: Understand How Children are Smart and Why it Matters
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Celebrate Kids, INC.
Room 105
All children have eight intelligences that can be used when learning. Each one will be defined and illustrated. Learn how to help your children learn with all 8 and how they are relevant to academic success, spiritual growth, obedience, and career choice. Stop asking, “How smart is my child?” and ask “How is my child smart?”

Take the Mystery Out of Homeschooling: A Workshop for New Homeschoolers
Jennifer Henn
The Well-Adjusted Homeschooler
Room 106
Need to demystify the process of homeschooling? Jennifer Henn, veteran Atlanta homeschooler, will inform you on homeschool laws and how much time homeschooling takes. You’ll also learn about how to schedule the school year, what subjects to teach, standardized testing, grading, record keeping, and more. Bring your questions to this informative workshop.

Differentiated Gamification: Linking Content, Language, and Fun!
Holly Arnold
Holly Arnold Consulting, LLC.
Room 111
We know that student engagement is key for learning, but what if we took this a step further? This workshop not only focuses on creating student engagement, it shares interactive, hands-on games that allow students of all levels to practice content material and language simultaneously – but while having fun! The presenter will share how to differentiate each game for different age groups, language levels, and content topics so that homeschooling families will be able to easily adjust these for all the little learners in their homes.

A Field Trip: More than a Day Out
Peggy Alier
BJU Press Homeschool/HomeWorks by Precept
Room 112
Make the most of a day out. With a little planning you can change an everyday outing to a field trip that enriches your child’s learning and provides a memorable experience.

Utilizing iPad apps and strategies for Writing and Homework success!
Polly Benson
LegiLiner
Room 113/114
Is writing a struggle? Does your student complain about homework and give you hassles many times when they have to do their work? Wouldn’t you love to have them look forward to independent work? Learn ways to incorporate apps for writing success for your student. We will also demonstrate apps to incorporate technology for your student’s executive function strategies such as time management, scheduling, and reminders, as well as accommodations using accessibility options such as speech to text, text to speech, and and guided access.

How to Homeschool High School
Donisia Forrester
Room 115/116
Your child is moving into her high school years.Are you prepared to homeschool in the high school years?This workshop focuses on giving parents the necessary tools to successfully homeschool their students thru high school. We will discuss keeping records, preparing a transcript, testing and more.If you are considering homeschooling throughout your child’s secondary educational years, this workshop is for you.

5 Home Business Projects that Teach Financial Literacy and Create Income
Rhea Perry
Educating for Success
Room 117/118
In this insightful session taught by an award-winning Internet business owner and veteran homeschool mom of 7, you will learn the fundamentals of at least five proven home businesses your family can start part-time that could possibly bring your dad home like they did! You’ll also learn why some of your children never finish a job, why others are not self-motivated, and how to gain more freedom in your life.

A Book Lover’s Guide to Reading More While Owning Less
M. C. Starbuck
Room 119
If you love encouraging your children to read but are overwhelmed by the piles of books in your home, this workshop is for you! Megan is an author and book lover who went from 500 books to less than 100. She gets it! She’ll walk you gently through the steps she took, which have been featured on Becoming Minimalist, so that you can learn which books to let go of in a way that eliminates regret!

Five to Thrive: Help Your Children Become Whole and Meet Their Core Needs
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Celebrate Kids, INC.
Room 105
Your children have five legitimate needs that drive their wants, choices, actions, and attitudes. (You have the same five needs.) When God meets their needs, your children will be whole, emotionally well, content, and so much more. Learn how to parent so their needs are met in God and other healthy ways. You’ll be refreshed by Dr. Kathy’s practical problem-solving approach to problems your children may be having.

Homeschooling the Dyslexic Child: Why You Should and How You Can
Jennifer Henn
The Well-Adjusted Homeschooler
Room 106
Jennifer and her oldest son have dyslexia and have learned the advantages homeschooling offers the dyslexic community. Jennifer shares her knowledge and explains the basis for the different language programs available. We’ll also discuss helps available from technology, testing options, and education beyond high school.

Finally Finished and Ready to Share!
Patricia D. Wesolowski
Bryan College
Room 112
Homeschooling 9 children over the past 32 years has been a joy-filled experience, but not an experience void of frustration, confusion, and regret. Learn from my mistakes and as well as those experienced by homeschooling friends, and be encouraged to make changes in your homeschooling journey so that you can complete the course without major regrets. This workshop is great for those just starting out as well as those who have been homeschooling for years (who need some encouragement and direction) with suggestions for beginning and ending well.

Secrets to Developing Christ-like Character
Robert Logan
ACE-Accelerated Christian Education
Room 113/114
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6. This verse tells the importance of children learning Christ-centered character not only for now, while they are young, but also for when they are grown. Successful people in life must be taught the character demonstrated by Jesus Christ such as honesty, kindness, dependability and so many more. How do they get that way?

Great is His Faithfulness in Your Homeschool!
Kirsten McTernan
Room 115/116
God sees you. He understands you, and He loves you. You are not alone. He is an ever-present help as you homeschool. Kirsten has seen first-hand how good and faithful God has been throughout her nine years of homeschooling (so far!), and will share some of her powerful personal stories. Her dependence on Him has led her to realize time and time again that she can trust in God, and you can too. You won’t want to miss this session that will boost your faith and uplift your spirit! Session will end in prayer for each other.

How to Judge Homeschool Curriculum
Marla Szwast
Jump into Genius
Room 117/118
Homeschool curriculum is a tool to serve both child and parent. Understanding brain science, we can look for certain characteristics in the curriculum that will make it easier for our kids to learn.

Getting the Message
Peggy Alier
BJU Press
Room 119
Does your child struggle to grasp the writer’s message when he reads? Come and learn some strategies that can help your child read for understanding.

Identity: Who Do Your Children Think They Are and Why Does it Matter?
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Celebrate Kids, INC.
Room 105
Identity – how children define themselves – is extremely important. It controls behavior. Learn other reasons it matters and how it influences children’s academics, relationships, future, hopes, and so much more. Learn how to parent so children will have a healthy identity and believe the most important identities of all.

Teaching Math (and all subjects) in the Real World
Seth Hunter
Curriculum That Matters
Room 112
If you struggle to answer the question “How will we ever use this in real life?” then this session is for you! Come and learn different strategies to turn every day activities such as eating breakfast or cleaning your room into learning opportunities for all subjects. These valuable techniques will help you teach children of all ages difficult concepts by using real life.

Letting go and keeping them close
Samuel Doyle
Back to the Basics
Room 113/114
Your children will grow up. Your relationship with them will change. You will have to let go. But, you don’t have to let them go completely. Sam and Jasmine will help you with practical ways to “let them go”, while still keeping them close to be able to continue to have an impact and influence.

Brain Based Strategies for Improving and Eliminating Neuro-Developmental and Learning Disorders
Edward Finucan
Brain Balance
Room 115/116
Brain Balance is an after school program utilizing the latest brain research to help children with Learning Disorders like ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and Autism to function better academically, socially and behaviorally. Research shows that children with these labels have areas of brain underconnectivity, especially between the right and left hemispheres. One of the two hemispheres of the Brain has become STRONGER AND FASTER and the other has become WEAKER AND SLOWER. When this happens the two hemispheres become functionally disconnected and are unable to communicate effectively. The characteristics of the stronger, faster hemisphere become amplified while the characteristics of the weaker, slower hemisphere are muted. This lack of balance translates into the noticeable academic, social and behavioral problems that these children exhibit. Come Learn how the Brain Balance Program™ identifies and improves areas of Brain Underconnectivity to give your child their best chance at success.

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That: Helping Mom Craft a Creative and Thoughtfully Designed Curriculum
Julia Nalle
Biblioplan
Room 117/118
Is your head spinning with all the homeschooling lingo? Charlotte Mason. Classical. Unschooling. Traditional. Are you trying to pick and choose but don’t know what would be the best fit for your family? Do you tend to lean towards thinking outside the box? Or do you feel stuck in the box without any other options? Come discover why one style does not have to fit all. Depending upon your child’s bent, age, grade, learning challenges or interests, mom can a la carte with purpose. Julia Nalle shares from teaching her own children and through designing the BiblioPlan curriculum that it is possible to thoughtfully pick and choose a little bit of this and a little bit of that – with success.

A Decluttering Game-Plan that Works!
M. C. Starbuck
Room 119
Are you tired of putting a ton of effort into having a clutter-free home, only to have it return to its original cluttered state? Learn what you need to know to make it permanent. In this workshop, Megan shares the plan she implemented in order to go from Packrat to Clutter-Free and will show you exactly how to adjust it to make it work for you. Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

Motivation Matters: Start with the Heart
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Celebrate Kids, INC.
Room 105
Understand how and why your relationship and character development are the foundation of motivation. Learn what to focus on and what beliefs to emphasize. Learn the four roles you must play, the comebacks to use when children are frustrated, and how to compliment and correct effectively. You’ll love the practical ideas!

Homeschooling Through High School – You CAN Do It!
Alicia Stunkel
STOA
Room 106
Homeschooling through high school can seem like a daunting task. But it is easier than ever with all of the resources available today. Plus the benefits far outweigh any difficulties. Find out how you can make the last few years of your student’s school a time of blessing instead of a time of tears.

Cultivating the Conversation: How to Engage your Kids in Meaningful Discussions
Kari Buice
Classical Conversations
Room 111
Cultivating the Conversation: The Art of Exposition will give us all something to talk about this summer! We’ll celebrate ways to cultivate conversations at every level, with every child, on any topic — academic or not. We will focus on tools that make starting conversations easy, natural, and fruitful.

Help! My Student’s Interests are All Over the Place!
Patricia D. Wesolowski
Bryan College
Room 112
It is one thing when students are sure of their post-high school plans, but it is totally different when they have no clue or, perhaps more difficult, when they have so many varied plans that you are not sure how to help! How do parents steer students towards the best choice? When is it appropriate to totally back-off? How involved should you be in the life of your high school graduate? Whether your students choose to take a gap year, work a blue collar job, start a business, go to college, or get married, there are steps you can take to ensure their success. It is best, if possible, to begin in middle school (or sooner) to help students discover their gifts, talents and passions in order to plan the high school years accordingly, setting students up for success regardless of their chosen path.

The One-Room Schoolhouse: Strategies for Teaching Multiple Ages
Tiffany Jefferson
Your Homeschool Helper
Room 113/114
Homeschooling is a rewarding endeavor, but how do you manage teaching multiple children without feeling spread too thin? Join Tiffany Jefferson, mother of ten for this encouraging and practical conversation on strategies for homeschooling multiple ages.

7 Ways to Raise Independent Life-Long Learners!
Kirsten McTernan
Room 115/116
The best homeschool life is one in which your children are happy, eager learners who are responsible for their assignments and get it done with motivation, right? In this session, Kirsten shares 7 tips she’s learned over the years that have helped her older sons (her youngest is age 3) take ownership and become self-motivated learners with goals and ambition for their future!

History from Kindergarten to CLEP without a Curriculum
Marla Szwast
Jump into Genius
Room 117/118
Take a journey with me through my years of rebelling against pre-packaged history. Discover what happens to kids who grow up with books, videos, source documents, and audio stories instead of textbooks.

Let’s DO Science!
Ronnie Thomas
Fun Weird Science
Room 119
Do you have a child that loves science or seeks to further explore science?Then this workshop is for you!Our goal is to help parents further engage all children early on in science so that every child grows to be confident and competent in STEM areas. We aim to not only educate but allow your child to explore the endless possibilities through hands-on science explorations. Want to know more or see how you can get your child involved? Join us as Fun Weird Science demonstrates how we blend two of our favorite things, family time and science! Participating parents will engage in easy to replicate at home STEM practices using our methodologies.

Technology’s Influence Over Kid’s Beliefs and Behaviors
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Celebrate Kids, INC.
Room 105
Understand how technology is influencing children’s beliefs and behaviors (and ours). Discover how technology is the root of some of your biggest concerns (e.g., your children’s complaining, expectations, inability to know what to do after graduation). Learn communication patterns that matter and practical things to do to help children mature even as they keep using technology. (It’s here to stay!) You’ll find hope in this message

How to Teach Preschool and Lower Elementary Grades
Jennifer Henn
The Well-Adjusted Homeschooler
Room 106
Learn how, when, and how much you should be doing in the early years. Jennifer Henn, veteran Atlanta homeschooler, advises you on expectations for the school year, teaching tools, testing options, and discusses children’s learning styles. You’ll get a strong start for homeschooling in this informative class!

Teach Critical Thinking with Reading Comprehension
Cynthia Simmons
Room 111
Decoding the words on the page doesn’t mean your child can read. Learn how to ensure your child understands the material and can think critically about it.

My Son, If You Accept My Words”
Sondra Lee
Sondra Lee, Author
Room 112
“My Son, If You Accept My Words” is based on Proverbs 2 and is oriented towards mothers looking to guide their adolescent sons in matters of the heart. Author Sondra Lee is a homeschooling mother of two children whose heart has been burdened for young men to understand the practical application of God’s Word in their own lives. She tenderly shares the importance of guarding one’s own heart so that while pursuing a young man’s dream, he will not find himself like Solomon compromising the truths of God’s Word.

Making Sense of Teaching Writing.
Rachel Rist
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Room 113/114 Teaching writing well is not only possible, it can be enjoyable! Come and learn about an effective and easy-to-use approach for the very reluctant child as well as the natural writer. Using models, checklists, and a clear pathway for “EZ + 1” skill progression, the Structure and Style® composition program is guaranteed to instill confidence and build competence in students of all ages and aptitudes.

Your homeschool journey is coming to an end. How to transition into the next chapter of your life.
Donisia Forrester
Room 115/116
Is your homeschool journey about to come to an end in three years or less? Are you about to graduate your last child?Now that you are in the process of ending the chapter of homeschooling, what’s next? What can you expect? We will discuss tools to help homeschool parents to turn the page to the next chapter of their lives.We will take about life after homeschooling.

Don’t Throw the Books Out with the Bathwater: When Your Struggling Twiddler (Hates, Struggles, Refuses) to Read
Julia Nalle
Biblioplan
Room 117/118
Is your child a twiddler? Do books intimidate and frustrate? Are you longing to get on the literature-based (Charlotte Mason or Classical) bandwagon but can’t see how it will work? Does your child love history but resists reading the required books? Are you desperate for ways to ease the reading load on your child without compromising the content? Literature is not a lost cause. Bring on the books. Come along as Julia Nalle, co-author of BiblioPlan – a Classical/Charlotte Mason style history and literature curriculum – shares her own journey with struggling, twiddling readers and ways she has adjusted to meet their needs. In this session she will discuss the causes of twiddling and share 25 + practical and fun strategies to help your twiddler get the most out of a literature-based curriculum.

Online Courses: How To Choose Them AND Be Successful
Dale Gamache
La Clase Divertida
Room 119
Online courses are a great tool to teach the courses that you don’t feel comfortable or competent teaching. Your child needs to be prepared for a different type of learning experience. This talk will focus on what the parent should look for in an online course, what types to avoid and how to guide your child during the course to assure them a successful completion.

Conversations About “Tough Stuff”
Kathy Koch, Ph.D.
Celebrate Kids, INC.
Room 105
Students thoughts, feelings, and questions are always important. How do we make it more likely that our students will come to us with their doubts, confusion, and fear? How do we help them share honestly? How do we answer their questions well? Dr. Kathy’s practical, relevant, and fun ideas will help you!

Motivate Your Kids for Learning
Jennifer Henn
The Well-Adjusted Homeschooler
Room 106
Projects motivate by creating interest, and with interest, learning sticks! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to incorporate multiple subjects and grade levels through project-based learning. You’ll also discover techniques for building executive function and how to maximize on each child’s strengths. Throughout the class Jennifer illustrates with a variety of samples.

Boredom-Busting Busy Bags for Preschoolers!
Kirsten McTernan
Room 111
Keeping your little ones mentally engaged is key for healthy development and when you’re trying to teach your older ones. Boredom often leads to frustration and mischief. In this session you’ll learn how to make boredom-busting “busy-bags”(to help keep your preschooler occupied) and learn other creative ways to provide enriching experiences for your little ones!

Transform a trip to the grocery store into a multidisciplinary lesson
Charles H Thomas III, CFP®
Intrepid Eagle Finance
Room 112
Charles will take you through the incredible possibilities of using a shopping trip at the grocery store to give your homeschooler an immersive learning experience. This session will give you actionable learning opportunities that can be part of a grocery run or filling an online shopping cart. Learn how to expand an errand to include math, personal finance, geography, reading comprehension, elocution, and more.

Help Your Child Become a Better Reader in Ten Practical Steps
Valerie Harrison
Educationally Yours LLC
Room 113/114
Reading is essential for success in school and throughout life. “Help Your Child Become a Better Reader in Ten Practical Steps”, provides participants with ten research-based strategies that can be utilized to increase academic success in reading. Whether a child is a good reader or a struggling reader these hands-on tips will equip participants with the knowledge to support their child’s growth in reading at any age. Participants will leave with practical ideas that can be implemented at home and in an instructional environment.

College Admissions and Scholarship Tips
Charlotte Ellard
Room 115/116
With 10 homeschooled high school graduates that have gone to college on full scholarships to various schools( from large public universities to very small private Christian schools), Charlotte shares wisdom from experience on obtaining college admission and scholarships.

Teens Are People Too
Marla Szwast
Jump into Genius
Room 117/118
Plants need sunshine, water, and nutrients from the earth to grow. So do teens, find out the other things teens need. When their needs are met you can sit back and delight in watching these young people become mature humans.

Adapting Curriculum for Struggling Learners
Peggy Alier
BJU Press
Room 119
Discover ideas for planning, scheduling, and adapting materials to meet your child’s learning style.

Managing the Multitudes
Charlotte Ellard
Room 105
Mother to 12 children, Charlotte offers encouragement and practical how-to’s the Ellard family has incorporated in family life. This is an annual session at the Expo that is a little different each year, depending on expressed interests. Come with your questions (and exhaustion) and be encouraged!

The Cultivated Home: Leaving an Intentional Legacy
Suzanne Phillips
Celebrate Kids
Room 106
Strong organizations are built on strong foundations, foundations that include a clear and concise vision and mission as well as established core values. An organization is defined as a group of people who act together to achieve a particular aim. God designed the family as the first organization. Join Suzanne as she shares inspiring insight and practical teaching around developing family vision, mission, and core values. Learn to begin with the end in mind. It is never too early or too late to begin!

Teach History so Your Kids Won’t Fall Asleep
Cynthia Simmons
Room 112
History fascinates kids if it’s taught the right way. This workshop covers the importance of history and ways to teach so that your family starts loving it.

Understanding the Elementary Reader
Valerie Harrison
Educationally Yours LLC
Room 113/114
“Understanding the Elementary Reader”, is a hands-on presentation designed to explore the relationship between students’ reading behaviors and academic success in reading. Participants will discover nine common reading behaviors exhibited by students in the elementary setting. They will explore the characteristics and emotions that are commonly displayed by elementary readers in an instructional setting. This insightful workshop provides participants with practical research-based strategies that can be utilized to increase academic success and improve student learning outcomes.

Is it a paradox to be African-American and homeschool?
Donisia Forrester
Room 115/116
In the case of Brown vs Board of Education in 1954, public schools were mandated to integrate African-American with its white counterparts, striking down the erroneous assertion separate but equal. Now that we are integrated, should we continue to send our African-Americans students to public schools or homeschool instead? Is it time to opt out of public school and tap into homeschool? In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of educating our children in today’s culture.

How to Homeschool Teens for Home Business
Rhea Perry
Educating for Success
Room 117/118
When entrepreneurs have been educated to think like employees, the only thing they can experience is occupational frustration. If you have children or a spouse who thinks differently, they may not respond well to traditional education. They may be visionaries who solve problems, create products and services, and create jobs to employ others. In this session, you will learn how to educate your entrepreneurial students to be leaders instead of followers from real-life examples of students from all over America. You’ll also learn 10 specific lessons the Perry family learned during almost 30 years of homeschooling.

Decluttering: Where to Start (even when you don’t have time)
M. C. Starbuck
Room 119
The two biggest struggles when it comes to clutter are: not knowing where to start and not having time to declutter. The baby steps shared in this workshop can be done in 5 min/day and will make a huge difference in your daily life…giving you the time and ability to focus more on what matters most. Bring questions for the Q&A at the end if you want to make sure we address your specific concerns!

Preparing Your Teen for College(It is easier than you might think!)
Patricia D. Wesolowski
Bryan College
Room 105
How can a parent be sure their students are prepared for life after high school?When do you begin preparing and what all do you need to do in order to be sure your students are prepared for college? With intention and well-planning, it is not difficult to homeschool your high school student with confidence. Come and find out more about dual enrolling, transcripts, scholarships and college testing. Do not rule out private colleges that come with high sticker prices because there are many ways to bring down the cost of college! You can do this!

Fine Motor Fantastic! Helping your student to develop fine motor skills on a budget.
Polly Benson
LegiLiner
Room 106
As a licensed Occupational Therapist, Polly brings a plethora of activities to help fine motor development on a budget. Learn practical ways to incorporate fun activities into your curriculum strategies. Receive a handout of 100+ fine motor activities you can do for less than one dollar, using common household, recycled or dollar store items.

Brain Based Strategies for Improving and Eliminating Neuro-Developmental and Learning Disorders
Edward Finucan
Brain Balance
Room 111
Brain Balance is an after school program utilizing the latest brain research to help children with Learning Disorders like ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and Autism to function better academically, socially and behaviorally. Research shows that children with these labels have areas of brain underconnectivity, especially between the right and left hemispheres. One of the two hemispheres of the Brain has become STRONGER AND FASTER and the other has become WEAKER AND SLOWER. When this happens the two hemispheres become functionally disconnected and are unable to communicate effectively. The characteristics of the stronger, faster hemisphere become amplified while the characteristics of the weaker, slower hemisphere are muted. This lack of balance translates into the noticeable academic, social and behavioral problems that these children exhibit. Come Learn how the Brain Balance Program™ identifies and improves areas of Brain Underconnectivity to give your child their best chance at success.

Solutions for the Struggling Math Student
Jefferson Turner
Math U See/Spelling You See
Room 112
Math struggles can be so emotional – for students AND parents alike. A confidence destroyer for any age! How do you solve a student’s math anxiety, and help them succeed? Students and parents learn proven, practical solutions to restore mathematical confidence and reach grade-level proficiency quickly. This workshop is of benefit to any age learner, but particularly to parents of teenagers who are struggling with middle and high school level math.

Fun and Educational, Too!
Peggy Alier
BJU Press
Room 113/114
Hands-on activities, projects, and experiments help children understand and apply concepts. Learn how to include engaging lesson activities with your busy schedule..

Personal Finance — Making Sure Your Students are Financially Prepared to be Successful
Don Blanton
Bryan College
Room 115/116
Whether you’ve just begun your homeschooling journey or you are a seasoned veteran, providing your students with a level of financial literacy that they can immediately apply to become more efficient in their own financial lives is important. As a financial advisor for more than 25 years, Don is well aware that the sooner students grasp a basic understanding of what happens to their money, the better prepared they will be to live responsible and successful lives. Come hear Don’s advice and take a look at the interactive model that creates a visual representation of money well spent, invested, saved, or wasted.

Homeschooling When Your Youngest Eats Crayons
Marla Szwast
Jump into Genius
Room 117/118
Tired of all the blog posts suggesting you deal with toddlers by given them something to color while you work with your older kids? If your youngest eats crayons, you need other suggestions. This workshop will dive into scheduling, practical tips, mindset shifts, and encouragement for those with toddlers in tow. I began homeschooling in those very trenches as I had six children in eight years.

Get More Done in Less Time! How to Organize Your Homeschool Day Most-Effectively
Kirsten McTernan
Room 119
In this practical session, you will discover some key principles that will help you structure your homeschool days most effectively, so that you are able to get more done in less time! Hand-outs and planning-session provided. Bring a planner if you have one!

What You Need to Know About Test Scores
Charlotte Ellard
Room 105
Test score importance is on a moving scale. Mother of 10 homeschooled students who continued on to college, and Coordinator of Homeschool Admission for Berry College, Charlotte brings a seasoned perspective on ACTs, SATs, and CLTs, APs, CLEPs, ACCUPLACER, ASVAB and SAT II Subject Tests. How do you compare tests? How do you efficiently prepare? How important or optional are they? Bring/send your teens and tweens that are remotely interested in college possibilities. Capitalizing on or ignoring these tests can be worth tens of thousands in college and careers.

10 Ways to Pay for College as a Homeschool Family
Charles H Thomas III, CFP®
Intrepid Eagle Finance
Room 112
The intimidation of paying for college can creep in years before your student fills out an application. Homeschool families are not immune to this challenge but do have some unique considerations to remember as they prepare for this next phase in their student’s educational journey. Charles will share 10 strategies homeschool families can use to respond confidently to this challenge.

What If There Were No Educational Institutions?
Julie Melendez
Classical Conversations
Room 113/114
Come join us as we contemplate the thought around the perceived needs for Educational Institutions and navigate the freedoms we have found in home education! You will leave feeling equipped to take on the calling to homeschool your children.

5 Ways to Ignite the Spark of Joy in Your Home to Create a Happy, Healthy Learning Environment
Kirsten McTernan
Room 115/116
As the saying goes, “When mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” But temper-tantrums, sibling rivalry, disrespectful attitudes and juggling responsibilities can really cause us moms to feel defeated; and when we lose our joy, it affects our teaching and relationships. If this resonates with you, come to this compassionate talk where you will learn 5 key ways to create an atmosphere of contagious joy in your heart and home.

In the Trenches: Multi-Grade, Multi-Age, Multi-Learning Styles – Multi-Vitamins? All Together without Mom Losing her Mind!
Julia Nalle
Biblioplan
Room 117/118
Are you longing to find ways in your day to bring all your children together around the table? Do you need refreshing tips that show you how to combine subjects in a way that meets the needs of all your children – on their levels and in their styles of learning? Are you weary of juggling different history time periods for the different grade levels or tackling the extra work your curriculum requires you to do just to teach a lesson? Spend some time with Julia Nalle, co-author of BiblioPlan, as she shares numerous practical helps for teaching history, literature, writing, Bible, geography, art, science and more across multi?age levels drawing from both a classical style and a Charlotte Mason approach.

The Benefits of an Online School
Georgia Cyber Academy Family Engagement
Georgia Cyber Academy
Room 119
Are you searching for a structured schooling environment where you can have an active role in your student’s education? Learn the benefits of attending an online charter school. Georgia Cyber Academy staff will provide details about our modern, interactive, and engaging program which combines live instruction from certified teachers with direct parental involvement. Learn about our program, the benefits, the roles people play, student outcomes, and more. With a strong school-family partnership, students at Georgia Cyber Academy receive an exemplary, individualized, and engaging educational experience.

Should we or Shouldn’t we Homeschool?
Suzanne Phillips
Celebrate Kids
Room 105
What questions should you ask to help you decide if homeschooling is best for you and your children? How do you get answers? Does asking with your heart or your mind make more sense? Learn what to really consider from Suzanne’s years of experience in her own decision making, with her husband, and the advice she has offered hundreds of families.

Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
Alicia Stunkel
STOA
Room 106
Speech and debate teaches students more than public speaking skills. It prepares students to become leaders by with critical thinking, research strategies, and communication skills in a fun environment. In this session, we’ll discuss these and other advantages of speech and debate along with resources for getting involved on a local and national level through Stoa. Your whole family will benefit from this great activity!

When Studying a Foreign Language:There is No Magic Pill!
Dale Gamache
La Clase Divertida
Room 112
With all the new technology that is available today: please don’t fall for the false mantra ”There’s an app for that” when trying to learn another language. In this workshop, Señor Gamache will explore the different methods of language acquisition: if and why they work or even more important, why they don’t work. Before you spend money on a program: please come join us to discuss the options that are available including the important elements of age appropriateness, time requirements ,teacher involvement and effectiveness

Conflict and Confrontation
Samuel Doyle
Back to the Basics
Room 113/114
Conflicts with your children are inevitable. What do you do when you have to confront them on what they have done wrong. Sam and Jasmine will provide you with practical ways to handle that tension and, to not only help you confront your child, but to restore them as well.

Instruction for the 21st Century: Merging Traditional with Technology
Holly Arnold
Holly Arnold Consulting, LLC.
Room 115/116
As the usage of smartphones and mobile technology increases across the globe, the implementation of technology in the classroom can be both beneficial and incredibly effective. This workshop merges traditional, hands-on activities with their mobile technology counterparts, thus ensuring that children develop and receive 21st century skills alongside traditional content-based instruction. Whether a family prefers more traditional strategies or loves to incorporate technology, both interactive, hands-on strategies and ready-to-use apps will be shared, so that attendees leave prepared and ready to share with their own children or with their homeschooling cohorts. 2.) We know that student engagement is key for learning, but what if we took this a step further? This workshop not only focuses on creating student engagement, it shares interactive, hands-on games that allow students of all levels to practice content material and language simultaneously – but while having fun! The presenter will share how to differentiate each game for different age groups, language levels, and content topics, so that homeschooling families will be able to easily adjust these for all the little learners in their homes.

How to Make a Math Unit Study
Marla Szwast
Jump into Genius
Room 117/118
Math is often left out of unit studies, but our kids need to make connections between math and other subjects. Topics, resources, and suggested schedule for putting together your own math unit study.

Getting Your Family on Board with Decluttering
M. C. Starbuck
Room 119
Do you live with a packrat? Does it feel like getting your home organized is impossible? Do you wish your kids and spouse would get rid of more of their stuff? What you’re currently doing may be having the opposite effect of what you want. Because she grew up as a packrat, Megan knows how they think and will let you in on a few of their secrets to help you raise clutter-free kids!

Beyond the Chore Chart: How to Homeschool & Keep Your House Clean
Tiffany Jefferson
Your Homeschool Helper
Room 105
Is your home over-run my clutter? Does the thought of homeschooling AND keeping your home tidy seem like an insurmountable task? Then, this session is for you! Come join the conversation and learn 4 sanity-saving strategies.

Teaching Your Kids Financial Success in the Real World
Seth Hunter
Curriculum That Matters
Room 112
Even young children can start to understand the value of hard work, earning money, and saving for the future. Come and learn some exciting strategies and techniques that will help you prepare your children for the real world. This is a fun workshop with stories and examples that will give you many ideas for your own family.

Why Homeschool?
Kirsten McTernan
Room 113/114
If you’re on the fence about homeschooling, come to this informative workshop! You’ll get a better understanding of what’s involved, what the benefits are (that may surprise you!), and why more parents are deciding to home educate their children. Also hear why author and speaker Kirsten McTernan decided pull her son out of public school, and the many benefits that came as a result of doing so. There will be a time of Q&A so you can have your questions answered directly.

Don’t Believe the Chatter
Donisia Forrester
Room 115/116
Do you sometimes feel inadequate or you just don’t measure up?We have all dealt with chatter in our lives in one form or another. Chatter is the lies we tell ourselves, the lies we believe.Based on my newly released book, Don’t Believe The Chatter, we confront the lies we tell ourselves and find freedom in knowing the truth. If you are dealing with negative self-talk, this workshop will have you find freedom in knowing the truth.

How to Enjoy Middle School Madness
Marla Szwast
Jump into Genius
Room 117/118
Your sweet child, who always did what you asked without question, suddenly wants to argue about everything. Congratulations, you have a middle schooler! Find out what is going on in their brain, why they are driven to argue, and how to support them and enjoy this time while still maintaining parental authority.

Train up: To teach or train
Suzanne Phillips
Celebrate Kids
Room 119
Have you ever had one of those Groundhog Day conversations, with a child, employee, trainee or student, that goes something like this, “How many times do we have to go over this?” or “Didn’t’ we talk about this last week?” Perhaps it is because time was spent on telling or teaching rather than focused on intentional training. Today’s fast-paced culture has all but buried the true meaning of discipleship. Join Suzanne as she unpacks the hidden secrets in Proverbs 22:6 and casts a vision for leadership and discipleship sure to impact your relationships in a powerful way!